independent

[ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt]

independent Definition

• 1. not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself
• 2. not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; autonomous
• 3. not depending on something else for existence or operation

Using independent: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "independent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She has been an independent businesswoman for over a decade.

• Example

  The country became independent from colonial rule in the 20th century.

• Example

  He is an independent thinker who doesn't follow the crowd.

• Example

  The research was conducted by an independent organization.

independent Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for independent

• autonomous
• free
• uncontrolled
• self-sufficient
• self-reliant

Antonyms for independent

• dependent
• subordinate
• controlled

Idioms Using independent

• go independent

  to start one's own business or become self-employed

  Example

  After years of working for a large corporation, she decided to go independent and start her own consulting firm.

• independent of one's will

  happening or existing without one's control or choice

  Example

  The accident was independent of his will and he couldn't have prevented it.

• independent as a hog on ice

  very independent and self-sufficient

  Example

  She's as independent as a hog on ice and doesn't need anyone's help.

Phrases with independent

• independent of

  not influenced or affected by something else

  Example

  The decision was made independent of any external pressure.

• independent study

  a course of study in which a student works independently rather than attending lectures or classes

  Example

  She took an independent study course in art history.

• independent variable

  a variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable

  Example

  In the experiment, the independent variable was the amount of fertilizer used.

Origins of independent

from Late Latin 'independens', from Latin 'in-' (not) + 'dependere' (to hang from, be dependent on)

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Summary: independent in Brief

The term 'independent' [ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt] refers to a person or thing that is not influenced or controlled by others, and can think or act for itself. It can describe a person's character, a country's status, or an organization's structure. Phrases like 'independent of' and 'independent study' extend its meaning, while idioms like 'go independent' and 'independent as a hog on ice' add color to its usage.